Description
A comforting and creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe featuring tender sautéed chicken breasts, al dente elbow macaroni, and a rich cheddar cheese sauce. This easy stovetop dish can be finished in the oven with a golden breadcrumb topping for added crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Pasta
- 3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping (Optional)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, following package instructions. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Season cubed chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked and no longer pink inside.
- Make Roux and Sauce: In the same skillet, add additional butter if needed, then stir in flour to form a smooth paste (roux). Slowly whisk in whole milk, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in garlic powder.
- Add Cheese: Reduce heat to low and gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Combine: Fold the cooked macaroni and sautéed chicken gently into the cheese sauce until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
- Bake (Optional): For a crunchy breadcrumb topping, transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly on top, and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar for the best cheese flavor and creaminess.
- The optional breadcrumb topping adds a nice texture contrast but can be omitted for a softer dish.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through before adding it to the sauce.
- Whole milk provides the creamiest sauce; low-fat milk can be used but will be less rich.
- For quicker prep, cook pasta and chicken simultaneously on the stovetop.
